The first piece of the puzzle is in place. For the first time in 12 years, Manchester United are on the lookout for a new No. 1, with David de Gea’s unsatisfactory departure confirmed on social media on Saturday.
De Gea’s exit is the first domino to fall in a complicated goalkeeper picture for United this summer, but while the clouds have begun to disperse, it’s not clear enough yet to see who will begin next season in goal.
Andre Onana is probably the favourite for now, although United sources are refusing to rule out Dean Henderson filling that role. More likely is that the academy graduate is sold to Nottingham Forest, helping to fund that move for Onana.
For now, United feel Inter Milan need to compromise on their demands, but confirmation that De Gea is leaving only plays into the hands of the Serie A side. Talks between both parties have been positive, however.
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Presuming a move for Onana is completed, the change in goal is going to bring about a significant shift in emphasis at United next season. The 27-year-old played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax and is confident, bordering on cocky, with the ball at his feet.
There will be some sharp intakes of breath among the Old Trafford faithful next season when Onana holds on to the ball, trying to bring the opposition onto him, or plays a risky pass across his own goal. But supporters will have to get used to it. This is how Ten Hag wants his team to play and it’s why he felt now was the right time to move on from De Gea, who didn’t have the ability or the confidence to take the kind of risks that Onana will.
But that will have knock-on effects for the rest of the team. It means the defenders being put under pressure, asked to take the ball in dangerous areas and find another pass. Casemiro will have to drop in and receive possession from his goalkeeper more often than last season.
It’s not a demand that will concern the first-choice central defenders. Raphael Varane’s ability on the ball is underrated and Lisandro Martinez is probably in the world-class bracket when it comes to taking the ball in difficult areas and finding a pass. The clip of him dribbling clear of three opponents who closed him down against Real Betis went viral last season.
But it might be an area United need to look at when it comes to replacements. Victor Lindelof isn’t a natural and has had a few nervy moments but it’s not Harry Maguire’s strength either. Maguire is very good at carrying the ball forward and picking passes when he has time, but dealing with it when he’s being hassled and harried can be a weakness.
The signing of Onana might well embolden Ten Hag to try and move Maguire on this summer. There is interest from Premier League clubs but wages are likely to be an issue.
Like De Gea, Maguire hasn’t looked a natural fit for Ten Hag’s style of play and that will be exacerbated if Onana’s arrival signals an even riskier approach to building from the back. Selling Maguire and recruiting a younger central defender who is comfortable with the ball at his feet might make even more sense than it did a few weeks ago.
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